Mission

Pawster’s mission is to support people during times of crisis by providing compassionate, temporary care for their pets.

Crisis Foster Care 101

When pet owners are in crisis, we house their dog or cat in a loving foster home until the owner is back on their feet. A crisis can be hospitalization, loss of housing, domestic violence, addiction treatment, incarceration, or any other event that leaves a pet owner temporarily unable to care for their beloved pet.

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The Problem

Have you ever wondered how a pet becomes homeless?

Long before many cats or dogs ever end up in a shelter, they have a loving home. But life happens, and owners feel they have no choice but to surrender their pet. Loss of a job or other income, loss of housing, hospitalization, domestic violence, incarceration, addiction rehab, military deployment – in these sudden crises, pet owners often have no choice but to surrender their pet.

Dog with owner on sidewalk

The Solution

Pawster Nashville gives pet owners a different choice.

When a pet owner is in crisis, we house their cat or dog in a loving foster home suited to each pet’s individual needs, until the owner is ready to be reunited with their pet. While in foster care, every pet receives a wellness check, annual vaccinations, a microchip, preventative medication, spay/neuter surgery, and grooming, all as needed. Your gifts go directly to provide pet supplies, vet care and grooming for cats and dogs in foster care.

Our network of “Pawster Fosters” make up the core of our work. They come from all walks of life, just like our pet owners. There are no specific requirement to be a Pawster Foster, other than a love of animals and the desire to help a family through a hard time.

To become a Pawster Foster, apply here!

Puppy sleeping in arms

We also have plenty of other volunteer opportunities for anyone who wants to be a part of the Pawster family.

To volunteer for Pawster Nashville, sign up here!

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